Fri, Jun 7 2013 - Joyce Kilmer Wilderness: 7th Annual Swan Cabin Hiking & Camping + Backpacking Option (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham Participants: Charlie Cottingham, Maria, David Duffey, Tom N, Shirley N, Glenn A, Horacio *, Laura V, Mark, Aaron, Matthew Ballard, Robert Gauld, Jennifer F., Victor, Lisa Maldonado, DeAnna, Tracey L, Harry F, Judy, Oscar

The beautiful high-country scenery and ambience of this special place made it the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable weekend of fun, fellowship and "high adventure."  On Saturday we hiked to the amazing "Hangover" rocky overlook where we took dozens of panoramic photos and where Mark, Laura, Aaron, Tracey and Matt located one of several hidden geocaches.  Our route home on Sunday took us through the awesome Nantahala River gorge where we kayaked the river's exciting 8 miles of continuous rapids in rental "single ducks."
We're proud of Victor and David who survived their "little swims" at Nantahala Falls in such fine form!  After his own spill upstream of this big final rapid, David rescued an 8-year-old boy whose raft (that he'd been paddling with his dad) had also capsized.
Thanks to all for your delicious contributions to our family-style dinners and breakfasts and to the many of you who brought or gathered firewood for our wonderful roaring campfires!
I look forward to posting links to our various online photo albums of the trip as I receive them.
-Submitted by Charlie, Mon AM June 10, 2013